Scott McGillivray's Crafty Organizing Ideas for Busy Families

October 24, 2016

Scott and Sabrina McGillivray are no strangers to organized chaos -- that term busy, working parents often use to describe their home and the constant flurry of activity that goes down within the walls. So when it came to their new home the couple knew they wanted to create spaces that would encourage actual organization and not just the illusion of it. That's why hitting all the right notes in the mudroom, laundry room and playroom were high up on the McGillivray's wish list. Here's how they kept it organized as each room came together. By Amber Dowling
Watch Moving the McGillivrays on Sundays at 9pm e/p!

Moving the McGillivrays

Scott McGillivray's Crafty Organizing Ideas for Busy Families

October 24, 2016

Scott and Sabrina McGillivray are no strangers to organized chaos -- that term busy, working parents often use to describe their home and the constant flurry of activity that goes down within the walls. So when it came to their new home the couple knew they wanted to create spaces that would encourage actual organization and not just the illusion of it. That's why hitting all the right notes in the mudroom, laundry room and playroom were high up on the McGillivray's wish list. Here's how they kept it organized as each room came together. By Amber Dowling
Watch Moving the McGillivrays on Sundays at 9pm e/p!

A Grand Entrance

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A Grand Entrance

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For the mudroom, both Scott and Sabrina knew they wanted to be able to have some things on display for easy access but that it was equally important to have lots of storage space to store off-season gear.

A Grand Entrance

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For the mudroom, both Scott and Sabrina knew they wanted to be able to have some things on display for easy access but that it was equally important to have lots of storage space to store off-season gear.

Hidden Storage

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Hidden Storage

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It's always easier to have a bench to sit on when tying shoes, zipping up boots or waiting for your significant other to get ready. Adding bonus storage underneath is just genius.

Command Centre

There's no better place to hoist your command centre than in the mudroom -- after all, it's the one area you'll be sure to look at on your way out the door each and every day.

Lovely Laundry

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Lovely Laundry

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Upstairs, having a spacious and fully functional laundry room was an absolute must. When you have kids, everything seems to get dirty real fast. Add in Scott's flannel shirts, and we imagine there's always laundry to attend to.

Lovely Laundry

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Upstairs, having a spacious and fully functional laundry room was an absolute must. When you have kids, everything seems to get dirty real fast. Add in Scott's flannel shirts, and we imagine there's always laundry to attend to.

Front Loaders

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Front Loaders

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Not only are front-loading washers and dryers easier to navigate, but they tend to hold more. Bonus points to this set, which opens opposite ways. Now the McGillivrays won't have to grapple with awkward doors ever again when transferring their laundry.

Front Loaders

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Not only are front-loading washers and dryers easier to navigate, but they tend to hold more. Bonus points to this set, which opens opposite ways. Now the McGillivrays won't have to grapple with awkward doors ever again when transferring their laundry.

Laundering Centre

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Laundering Centre

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What's a laundry room without a little decor and a table on which to help sort and fold all of those clothes? No more hauling it all into the bedroom first.

Separate Separates

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Meanwhile the brilliant island design features cubbies with labelled baskets to make sorting and separating a breeze.

Pretty Jars

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Pretty Jars

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Sure, you could just keep all of your detergent in the original boxes, but doesn't it look so much prettier when placed in matching jars? This way you can always seen when you're running low on an item, too.

Pretty Jars

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Sure, you could just keep all of your detergent in the original boxes, but doesn't it look so much prettier when placed in matching jars? This way you can always seen when you're running low on an item, too.

Iron Man

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Iron Man

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A fold-out ironing board is not only a genius way to hide the awkward thing when it's not in use, but it also makes it a heck of a lot easier to set up when you do need to use it.

Artful Imaginings

Speaking of art, we love how Sabrina framed some of the girls' original artwork and then decorated their space with it. Personal and cost-effective -- who doesn't love that?

Family Flair

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Family Flair

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The colour scheme was inspired by the giant painting one of the girls made with her friends at her birthday party. Meanwhile the sofa is a great spot for mom and dad to hang out while they watch their kids play. And after all, isn't it always about getting in quality family time?

Family Flair

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The colour scheme was inspired by the giant painting one of the girls made with her friends at her birthday party. Meanwhile the sofa is a great spot for mom and dad to hang out while they watch their kids play. And after all, isn't it always about getting in quality family time?